New York, NY (Top40 Charts) There is nothing denying the fact that boxing has proven to be the most inspiring of all the sports in the world.
Regardless of whether we talk about some boxers' amazing rags-to-riches stories, how they overcame all kinds of tragedy, poverty and odds to become multi-millionaires, or the extremely ridiculous work ethic seen in the training camps, there are ample occasions when fighters have beaten even the best boxing betting odds, and have etched their names in the history books of the sport.
Just as inspiring their stories are, the music often associated with the sport can also deliver a lot of inner inspiration for even the average Joe, pushing him hard to give his best and make a name for himself, no matter how badly the odds might be stacked against him. Let's take you through 4 such classic and inspirational songs that became the ring entrance numbers of some well-known boxing stars.
Eye of the Tiger by Survivor - Manny Pacquiao There aren't many songs, other than 'Eye of the Tiger' that come to mind when we talk about Survivor, the hard rock band from Chicago. The song has actually become the ultimate boxing anthem in all parts of the world. Written originally for Rocky III as its theme tune, Manny Pacquiao, the eight division world champion and popular Filipino boxer didn't waste much time in seizing it up as his ring entrance song.
Shut Up by Stormzy - Anthony Joshua Already a huge name on the music scene when he stepped into the ring to perform Shut Up at the O2 Arena, just before the Anthony Joshua's fight against Dillian Whyte, after that performance he solidified his place as the favourite MC of the entire UK. It didn't come as a surprise that pumped up by Shut Up, Anthony scored a seventh round knockout and became the new British heavyweight champion in 2015.
Road to Glory by 2Pac - Mike Tyson
When Mike Tyson walked out for his 1996 fight against Frank Bruno, the British heavyweight champion, not many people knew that his ring entrance song 'Road to Glory' was written specifically for him by his friend 2Pac. The lyrics of the song directly addressed the fight and one could hear that Pac was in no mood to beat around the bush. They went like, "Throw your hands up, Mr Bruno, ride / Big Mike Tyson 'bout to brutalize that ass tonight"
Ima Boss by Meek Mill ft. Rick Ross - Floyd Mayweather
There are not many rappers who spit with the same intensity as Meek Mill and it wasn't surprising when his high octane number Ima Boss, featuring Rick Ross, the Maybach Music label head, made it to the 'Hard Work and Dedication Playlist' of Floyd Mayweather. He shared that playlist ahead of his extremely hyped up fight against MMA fighter Conor McGregor in August 2017. Mayweather used the song as his entrance track on the fight day as well as in the face-off preceding the fight.
